Decoupage Nutcracker Trinket/Pencil Box Tutorial

Supplies available at Designaholic Studio:
Unfinished Wood Pencil Tub
Three Nutcrackers Decoupage Napkin Set
Allegro Acrylic Paint – Avocado
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint – Snow White
Flat Brush
#5 (or #6) round paint brush
Stamperia Mix Media Glue or Mod Podge
Mini Metal Drawer Pull (coming soon)
Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue

Other Supplies:
Scrapbook Paper – any colour or style that coordinates with the Nutcracker napkins.
Scissors
Sandpaper
Plastic page protector
Old gift card or credit card

In its usual fashion, Christmas is approaching at “breakneck” speed and I was so afraid that I wouldn’t have time to get this project finished.  BUT I managed even though I’m in a frenzy trying to finish up my Christmas shopping, wrap presents, bake cookies, and decorate the house for my absolute favourite time of year.  This little piece has so many uses that it will come in handy in my home for years to come.  Filling it with Christmas candy is a favourite but I think it would really love to be filled with candy canes or a pretty Christmas floral arrangement.  So, if you would like to have this lovely holder in you own home – here are the directions:

• First thing to do – paint the box white (this is especially important on the sides where you will be placing the napkins sections.
• While this is drying cut two pieces of scrapbook paper – each 3 ½” wide x 4 ¼” high , (I’ve used scrapbook paper in coordinating colours – a red and green stripe. Any coordinating scrapbook paper will do!)    
• Using ¼ of the napkin, place the nutcrackers onto the holder and cut around the holder leaving ¼” excess all around. (This is for placement purposes only)
• Use a second quarter of the napkin and cut a second nutcracker piece to match the first.
• Separate the layers of the napkin pieces putting aside all white pieces for other uses.
• Paint the entire side of the holder with decoupage glue and then, holding one of the nutcracker pieces carefully lay it down (making sure that the nutcrackers are positioned properly on the side (see photo).
• Place a piece of plastic (I use a page protector) over the napkin and using an old gift card or credit card, gently smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.
• Gently peel back the plastic.
• Use apiece of sandpaper to remove excess napkin from around the edges.
• Let dry before going on to the next step.
• When dry, go over the entire side with a second coat of decoupage glue. Let dry.
• Repeat the process on the opposite side.
• Now for the other 2 scrapbook paper sides.
• Turn one piece of scrapbook paper upside down on a fresh piece of plastic.
• Drop some water onto the paper and spread using a flat brush.
• Paint the side of the holder with decoupage glue, lift the plastic shake off any excess water and lay the scrapbook paper rectangle on to the side.
• Smooth the paper in the same way as the napkin.
• Remove excess along edges using the sandpaper in an up and down motion. Let dry.
• Repeat the process on the last side. Let dry.
• Put a second coat of decoupage glue over both scrapbook paper sides. Let dry.
• Paint the inside and the top edge of the box with two coats of Avocado.
• Paint the bottom with 2 coats of Avocado.
• Using the round #5 paintbrush (don’t wet it, keep it dry), dip into Avocado paint, wipe off on a paper towel and do some dry brushing around all sides of the box – see photo. This creates an aged look.
• Using Aleene’s glue, attach the mini drawer pulls to the scrapbook paper sides of the box.

Well, your holder is now ready for whatever you would like to put in it!  I hope you enjoy this project and as always “try it, you’ll love it”!